]]>Before starting any kind of routine maintenance or cleaning make sure you have taken the proper safety precautions, such as turning your appliance off. If at any point you question what you are doing or think you might damage your furnace or hurt yourself, do not proceed. Call us and we will be happy to provide routine furnace maintenance for you.

Change the Filters

The first thing you should do for your gas furnace, or any of your HVAC systems, is to change the air filter. This should be done at least once a year, but as many as 3 or 4 times depending on the manufacturers specifications. The air filter traps dust and debris from entering the furnace. As debris collects on the air filter it begins to restrict air flow, and anything that restricts airflow decreases the efficiency of your system.

Inspect the Burner Flames

Activate the burners by turning up your thermostat and inspect the flames. They should be even and blue. Don’t try to adjust the burners yourself, if the flames are not blue or not even call us or request service online and have one of our professional technicians inspect it.

Clean the Pilot Light and Flame Sensors or Hot Surface Ignitors

If you have an older furnace you will have a pilot light, however most new-model furnaces will have a hot surface ignitor. The goal here is to remove dust and debris. Carefully blow dust away from the pilot light; you can use a straw to get a centralized airflow. The same goes for the hot surface ignitors. The ignitors are very fragile so do not remove them, simply blow away any debris or dust that has collected.

If you have any questions or think you may be in danger of damaging yourself or any part of your furnace, please contact us and we will have a professional technician come service your system.

Technical Maintenance

We recommend a seasonal inspection and clean and check by one of our technicians. One of our certified professionals will be able to inspect and repair anything else that may be needed to keep your unit running efficiently. We also recommend having your ducts cleaned once a season, as well as having your insulation checked and all leaks repaired.

]]>1625Six Ways Your Furnace Keeps You Safehttps://www.alkotaphi.com/furnace-keeps-you-safe/
Thu, 28 Feb 2019 18:31:28 +0000https://www.alkotaphi.com/?p=1606Your fuel-burning furnace has a number of mechanisms allowing it to run safely and effectively. These features prevent fires and protect your indoor air quality (IAQ).

]]>Your fuel-burning furnace has a number of mechanisms allowing it to run safely and effectively. These features prevent fires and protect your indoor air quality (IAQ). They also work to prevent internal errors from damaging large portions of your furnace.

From our team here at Alkota Plumbing and Heating, here are six ways your furnace is working to ensure your safety:

1. Air Filters

This component protects your furnace’s internal parts and your indoor air quality. Air filters catch dust and debris, which would otherwise be circulated by your air ducts. Not only does dust make you sneezy, it can actually hurt some of the mechanical parts in your system over time. Remember to change your filter before it gets clogged, or else you’ll end up with a variety of problems due to poor airflow. Check your manufacturer’s recommendations to see how frequently you need to change it, though we typically recommend every month or at least every couple.

2. Thermocouples

These are sensors protecting you from gas leaks. If your pilot light won’t turn on, the valve is leaking gas into your home. Thermocouples use thermal imagery to detect a flame source. When the thermocouple doesn’t sense your pilot light, it will automatically shut down your furnace to prevent the harmful fumes from circulating.

3. Pressure Switches

These switches detect changes in pressure that could indicate an error in your heating system. One such error is called backdrafting. Backdrafting is when exhaust is reintegrated into your furnace instead of exiting through the flue. This can be potentially deadly to breathe and is indicatory of other problems within the system.

4. Rollout Switches

Rollout is when the burner flames become too hot, or too high, leading to fire hazards. This is often a symptom of a cracked heat exchanger. Rollout switches sit near the burners and shut the furnace off if things get too hot. This prevents a fire, as well as carbon monoxide (CO) production due to combustion.

5. Limit Switches

Limit switches “limit” the overall temperature of your furnace to keep it from overheating. Your heating system will a factory-designed switch to meet specifications for your particular make and model. Once the switch detects the temperature to be past a set peak (for example 200 degrees Fahrenheit), it will cut off the power to your system.

6. Flues

Your furnace flue is a pipe sending exhaust out of your home using a blower. Exhaust is deadly to breathe and may contain flammable gas. It’s important to be sure no obstructions exist within or near the pipe. Obstructions to the pipe restrict airflow and can cause backdrafting.

The furnace flue is a pipe or vent that expels exhaust from your home. It keeps you and anyone else in your home safe from breathing harmful gases. In addition to air-quality hazards, some of the fumes are flammable. The exhaust prevents these gases from coming into contact with the open flame on your fuel-powered heating system.

What Can Go Wrong With It?

When it comes to furnace flues, you should be on the lookout for clogs. Clogs or blockages can be caused by a variety of culprits. Over time condensation can constrict the passageway. Additionally, foreign objects such as birds nests and leaves may find their way in there. Heavy snowfall can also be the enemy of air passage.

What Can I Do to Prevent Problems?

Above all, you should be conscious of anything with the potential to obstruct your flue. Here are some key steps our team at Alkota Plumbing and Heating, Inc., recommends you take:

• Keep the area around the flue clear.

If your flue is on the side of the house, be sure to keep the area relatively tidy. Be conscious of any sticks, dirt, or leaves that may find their way into the exhaust pipe. If snow levels get high during the winter, be sure to shovel snow out of the area. You don’t want your exhaust pipe to get buried!

• Have it cleaned.

Any time you’re getting a new furnace installed or moving homes, you’ll need to have a professional clean your flue. After years of use, the inside of the pipe becomes lined with sediment. Doing this ensures a safe transition for you, your home, and your heating system.

• Schedule routine maintenance visits.

Furnace maintenance is the number one way to prevent future problems. During a visit, your technician will be able to identify potential issues with your unit’s exhaust. Additionally, he or she will examine the furnace pressure switch. The pressure switch will automatically turn your unit off if it isn’t expelling exhaust properly.

]]>You’ve gone to inspect your air filter, only to find it’s sopping wet! Thoughts begin to race through your head––“Is my furnace breaking down?” or “Is this going to be expensive to repair?” Fortunately, you don’t need to panic. The bad news is there’s something wrong with your furnace. The good news is it can usually be repaired quickly. However, you should take care of it as soon as possible.

What Are the Risks of a Damp Filter?

A moisture-filled filter is a haven for mildew and mold. Leaving it for too long allows these specimens to grow. As a result, their particles will negatively affect your indoor air quality (IAQ). If you or anyone in your house has allergies, symptoms may flare up almost immediately. Additionally, the water clogs your air filter, which is detrimental to your equipment. Your furnace will have to work twice as hard to produce the same amount of heating. This leads to longer cycles and wears down the components. For these reasons, you should find a solution to the issue right away.

What Made My Filter Wet?

A clogged condensate line is the most common culprit for a wet filter. The condensate line is a pipe that expels your heat exchanger’s water condensation. Because the condensate water is warm, it can be especially attractive to mildew and mold. Over time, your drain can become clogged with these contaminants leading to an overflow.

What Should I Do to Solve This?

Here are a couple ways to address this issue:

1. Replace your filter.

As previously mentioned, a damp filter is bad for your air and bad for your furnace. You should replace your filter right away. Or, if you’d rather, you can have a technician perform the task.

2. Schedule a repair.

Let a licensed technician take care of the repair. He or she will be able to diagnose the issue at hand, and fix it timely and efficiently. If your condensate drain is clogged, a technician will bypass the necessary safety switches. Then he or she will use a vacuum to clean out the excess buildup from your condensate drain.

Is your filter filled with condensate? Don’t wait! Call Alkota Plumbing and Heating at 907-332-5325 today to schedule a repair. In addition to repairs, we offer routine maintenance visits. Routine maintenance is a great way to remedy issues (such as a clogged condensate drain), before they become a serious problem. All of us at Alkota Plumbing and Heating are proud to serve you and your neighbors in Anchorage, AK, and surrounding communities.

]]>1588Do I Need a New Furnace?https://www.alkotaphi.com/do-i-need-a-new-furnace/
Tue, 04 Dec 2018 19:45:27 +0000https://www.alkotaphi.com/?p=1579We’re glad you asked! Furnaces, as you probably know, don’t last forever. And they can be a burden to replace, often for financial reasons. Unfortunately, at a certain point, your furnace may actually be costing you more in repairs than it would cost to replace it. If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, you may […]

]]>We’re glad you asked! Furnaces, as you probably know, don’t last forever. And they can be a burden to replace, often for financial reasons. Unfortunately, at a certain point, your furnace may actually be costing you more in repairs than it would cost to replace it.

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, you may want to upgrade to a newer model:

1. Over the hill

Furnaces, even well-maintained ones, have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. If yours is older than that, it may be time for it to retire.

2. Frequent/expensive repairs

Your furnace shouldn’t need to be repaired more than once a year, if that. As your furnace ages, repairs can become increasingly expensive. If a repair is going to cost you at least 50 percent of the amount required to replace the furnace, you should probably opt to replace it.

Note: If a technician is inspecting your broken furnace, he or she can tell you if repair or replacement is the better option.

3. Increased heating bills

To meet the demand of inflation, and to protect our environment, newer furnaces are more energy efficient. Older furnaces aren’t, especially if they are in poor condition. If your utility bills are suspiciously high, your furnace may be the culprit.

Still not sure if you need to replace your furnace? Call Alkota Plumbing and Heating at 907-332-5325. One of our skilled technicians can run a detailed analysis to see how well your furnace is running. We don’t want to see our neighbors in Anchorage, AK, using furnaces costing them an arm and a leg each month. If you’re ready to part ways with your furnace, our Alkota Plumbing and Heating team is happy to set you up with a new and improved one.

]]>1579What to Do About a Leaky Furnacehttps://www.alkotaphi.com/what-to-do-about-a-leaky-furnace/
Mon, 19 Nov 2018 21:25:55 +0000https://www.alkotaphi.com/?p=1573If you find a pool of water has formed on the floor around your furnace, don’t be alarmed. In most cases, this does not indicate a serious or expensive problem. In fact, it’s pretty common. What you should do though is call one of our Alkota Plumbing and Heating technicians right away to investigate it. […]

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If you find a pool of water has formed on the floor around your furnace, don’t be alarmed. In most cases, this does not indicate a serious or expensive problem. In fact, it’s pretty common. What you should do though is call one of our Alkota Plumbing and Heating technicians right away to investigate it. Leaks can usually be repaired relatively quickly. If you get it taken care of immediately, you’ll avoid more difficult problems, like water damage and mold.

Type of Furnace

When you make the call, be able to answer whether your unit is condensing or conventional. If you don’t know, check the exhaust pipe. If it’s a PVC pipe (made out of hard, white plastic), your furnace is condensing. If you’re still not sure, look for a yellow sticker with Energy Star® on the side of the unit. This displays the furnace’s AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. If the AFUE is 90 or higher, it’s typically condensing. If it’s lower than 90, it’s typically conventional.

Reasons Your Furnace May Be Leaking

There are several reasons your unit could be leaking:

Water condensation––This is the most likely explanation. Condensing furnaces go through a heating process involving air moisture becoming condensed, which is then sent through piping into a drain. If the piping is clogged, or the pump is broken, this can cause leaking.

Wrong-sized exhaust pipe––Conventional air conditioners have this problem sometimes. The wrong-sized exhaust pipe can prevent condensation from exiting properly, leading to liquid buildup.

Humidifier leak––If you have a humidifier attached to your furnace, water could be seeping in from the humidifier making the furnace appear to leak.

Drain clog––If you have an air-conditioning system connected to your furnace sharing a condensate drain, this drain could be clogged.

Defective secondary heat exchanger––This is the only option you really have to be worried about, as it requires a furnace replacement. This issue can only occur in condensing furnaces.

If you’re in or near Anchorage, AK, contact Alkota Plumbing and Heating right away! We’ll fix your unit in no time (unless you have a defective secondary heat exchanger, in which case we’ll need to replace your furnace . . . sorry). Call us at 907-332-5325 today!

]]>1573Furnace Filtershttps://www.alkotaphi.com/furnace-filters/
Tue, 04 Sep 2018 17:03:49 +0000https://www.alkotaphi.com/?p=1552Furnace filters. They’re one of those items not really on the top of everyone’s minds, but they are important and can have a big impact. With the right furnace filter, you can save money and improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) in one fell swoop. The primary function of your furnace filter is simply to […]

]]>Furnace filters. They’re one of those items not really on the top of everyone’s minds, but they are important and can have a big impact. With the right furnace filter, you can save money and improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) in one fell swoop.

The primary function of your furnace filter is simply to remove particles from the air moving through your ductwork. This particle clearance protects your furnace’s blower fan and air conditioner, as well as you (by preventing the recirculation of the contaminants into the air you breathe). The particles collect on the filter, which is why it’s so important to regularly change or clean it. If your filter is full, this dominoes into a host of problems––your furnace can no longer work at full capacity, damage to your furnace, decreased IAQ. Obviously, each of these issues has its own ramifications as well.

Types of Filters

When standing in the furnace filter aisle at your local Alaska store, it can be overwhelming. But breaking it down to basics, there are typically five different types of filters––disposable fiberglass, disposable pleated, disposable electrostatic, permanent electrostatic, and high-efficiency pleated. When deciding which filter to purchase, consider its overall cost, its purpose for contingent factors (pet? allergies?), its MERV rating (minimum efficiency reporting value), its size, and your furnace’s manufacturer’s recommendations. Each filter type performs differently and has different costs involved (both short term and long term). Call Alkota Plumbing and Heating to discuss which of these would work best with your HVAC system.

How Often to Replace?

There is no one answer to this question due to all the factors involved. When using cheaper disposable filters, they’re going to need replacing much more often, depending on if there are pets or a smoker in your home. Obviously the disposable filters need replacing throughout the year (three to four times), whereas the permanent ones just need cleaning throughout the year and, depending on type, can last from one to eight years. A good rule of thumb though is to check your filter monthly. If it’s looking clogged and dirty, replace or clean it. It’ll save your HVAC system, your bank account, and your lungs in the long run. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing a dirty filter can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5 to 10 ten percent annually.

Recycling Filters

Everyone knows recycling makes your global footprint smaller. That said, unfortunately you can’t put your used disposable filter in your recycle bin. Depending, your filter can be make from a combination of plastic, fiberglass, and wire mesh, although some are straight up one material. Furnace filters just aren’t candidates for your general recycling. Now home air filters can be recycled by specific companies, but this is usually a mailer-type situation. If you’re concerned about your global footprint, investigate using permanent filters instead of disposable ones.

At Alkota Plumbing and Heating, we recognize how important the care of your HVAC system and furnace filter is. Call us today at 907-332-5325 with any questions or concerns you may have about your furnace’s filter.

]]>1552Anatomy of a Furnacehttps://www.alkotaphi.com/anatomy-of-a-furnace/
Thu, 09 Aug 2018 14:22:18 +0000https://www.alkotaphi.com/?p=1544Furnaces keep you warm, and cleanse the air that you breathe. They’re a big part of your life, whether you know it or not. But, have you ever been itching to know, “How does my furnace work?” Well, lucky for you, here’s what happens when your furnace is on: Ignition Similar to a car, the […]

Furnaces keep you warm, and cleanse the air that you breathe. They’re a big part of your life, whether you know it or not. But, have you ever been itching to know, “How does my furnace work?” Well, lucky for you, here’s what happens when your furnace is on:

Ignition

Similar to a car, the furnace must be ignited. For older furnaces, the ignitor is a pilot light. Newer models typically use electronic ignition.

The pilot light

(A concept you may already be familiar with) is a tiny gas flame that stays on all the time. It’s used to ignite a larger flame when the furnace gets switched on.

Electronic ignition

This uses a chain reaction that’s somewhat like a filament light bulb. This ignites the gas burner. When triggered by the thermostat, a current of electricity runs through the filament, creating enough heat to light the gas on fire.

Combustion

The combustion chamber is where natural gas and air are combined. As you may know, oxygen is required to create fire. The furnace ventilates this chamber, feeding the fire enough oxygen to burn smoothly and efficiently. The ventilation also extracts the byproducts of the combustion.
As a furnace owner, be sure to keep your combustion chamber clean. You’ll have better quality air and higher efficiency if you’re diligent.

Heat

The warm air from your furnace is produced in the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is located right above the combustion chamber. It collects the chamber’s heat waves. When the temperature inside the exchanger gets warm enough, the motor turns on, and distributes the hot air through the ducts of the house. This process repeats until the desired temperature is met.

Alkota Plumbing and Heating hopes we helped you learn a thing or two about your furnace. We want our valued customers in Anchorage, AK to be informed buyers. Call us today at 907-332-5325 to schedule a maintenance visit, repair, or installation.

]]>1544Why is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?https://www.alkotaphi.com/furnace-blowing-cold-air-2/
Sun, 01 Apr 2018 16:06:15 +0000https://www.alkotaphi.com/?p=1512Did you finally turn your furnace on this winter only to have cold air blowing out of your vents? Did your furnace stop working just when you started to need it most? There are a few reasons your furnace may be blowing cold air, and there a few things to check before you need to […]

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Did you finally turn your furnace on this winter only to have cold air blowing out of your vents? Did your furnace stop working just when you started to need it most? There are a few reasons your furnace may be blowing cold air, and there a few things to check before you need to worry too much. At Alkota Plumbing and Heating Inc., we are here to keep you warm. If you are having problems with your furnace, check these things first and then call us for help.

Check Your Thermostat

Be sure your thermostat is set on the correct setting. If it is set to “ON,” the blower will run constantly, even when the furnace isn’t heating any air. The air that comes through the vents will seem cool because it is room-temperature air. Turn your thermostat to “AUTO.” Now the fan will only run when the furnace is heating, and you won’t get tepid or room-temperature air.

Change the Air Filter

A dirty air filter will cause your furnace to overheat. It restricts the airflow in and out of your furnace, which can cause it to overheat. If it does overheat, the safety control will shut off the burners, causing the fan to blow cool air vs. heated air through the house.

Check the Pilot Light

Your furnace may be blowing cold air because the pilot light has gone out. It is a simple fix. Just relight the pilot. If it continues to go out after you relight it a few times, then you should call us at 907-332-5325 or REQUEST SERVICE ONLINE. This is indicative of a bigger problem requiring professional help.

Reboot Your System

If you have a modern furnace, you probably have one that is controlled by a computer. Sometimes there is simply a glitch in the system, and it needs a simple reset––the same way you would restart your computer or phone. If you turn off your furnace for 30 seconds and then turn it back on, it may reset itself and begin functioning correctly. If it doesn’t start working the way it should after you have restarted the computer, CALL US or REQUEST SERVICE ONLINE today.

Ductwork

The older your ductwork is, the more likely it is to be damaged or leaky. If you have damaged or leaky ductwork, air can be escaping before it gets to the desired living areas. Inspect the ductwork yourself, but it’s possible that you may not be able to visually detect the rips or tears causing your leak. It is best to CALL US or REQUEST SERVICE ONLINE for an in-depth ductwork inspection.

If none of these work, your furnace may have a bigger problem. Contact our professionals at Alkota Plumbing and Heating today to diagnose and fix any problem you might be having.

]]>1512Types of Furnaceshttps://www.alkotaphi.com/1502-2/
Tue, 27 Feb 2018 21:30:07 +0000https://www.alkotaphi.com/?p=1502There are three different types of furnaces available. There are a few things that factor into which kind will work for you. You should consider your heating requirements, duct work and insulation, size of you home and number of floors, and your budget. One of the certified technicians at Alkota Plumbing and Heating Inc. can […]

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There are three different types of furnaces available. There are a few things that factor into which kind will work for you. You should consider your heating requirements, duct work and insulation, size of you home and number of floors, and your budget. One of the certified technicians at Alkota Plumbing and Heating Inc. can assist you in deciding the right type of unit for your home or office.

Types of Furnaces

Single-Stage

This type of furnace has only one stage of operation. It can either be turned on or turned off. This also means it has one running speed and when it is turned on it is pumping out heat as fast as it can. These types of furnaces are not as controlled so the comfort level might not be as effective as other types of furnaces, but they have low cost of installation.

Two-Stage

This type of furnace has two settings, full and half speed. This is a more efficient way to heat and provides for better comfort because it can move the air at a slower pace. There is more control over the temperature in your house. This type of furnace also tends to be quieter since it does operate at full speed all the time.

Modulating Variable Speed Furnace

This kind of furnace modulates the speed and heat output based on the temperature outside and the desired comfort level. This furnace only works as much as you need it, this makes it the most energy efficient type of furnaces. It also provides the best air quality since the fan can run even when the furnace isn’t heating and thus continually circulate the air in your house though the filter in your system. These furnaces often will cost the most up front but will save you money in the long run on your energy costs.